Preserve Catholic Heritage: Help Relocate Sacred Altars

Help Save These Sacred Altars: A Mission to Preserve Catholic Tradition

Dear Friends in Christ,

I am a devoted Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) attendee, deeply blessed to be part of the vibrant and growing Latin Mass community here in New Jersey. For those of us drawn to the beauty, reverence, and timeless tradition of the TLM, these altars are more than just sacred relics. They are monuments to the Catholic faith — places where generations of faithful have knelt, prayed, and experienced the sacred mysteries of our Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Across New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, there are currently over 50 churches offering the Traditional Latin Mass. From the bustling heart of New York City to the quiet suburban parishes, the TLM community is alive and thriving, bringing Catholics of all ages and backgrounds together in devotion and reverence. The TLM movement is more than just a return to tradition; it is a revival of faith, a journey back to the roots of Catholicism, and a powerful response to the world’s growing need for truth, beauty, and sanctity.

But we are facing a critical need. Three magnificent altars — the main high altar and two side altars, each adorned with intricate carvings and centuries-old artistry — are at risk of being lost forever. These altars, designed to lift our eyes and hearts to Heaven, must be preserved and relocated to a new home, where they can continue to inspire awe, deepen faith, and serve as a reminder of the richness of our Catholic heritage.

Why Your Help Is Needed

Moving these altars is no simple task. It requires skilled craftsmen, preservation experts, heavy equipment, and meticulous planning to carefully dismantle and transport these sacred structures without damaging their delicate beauty. The estimated cost of this undertaking is high, reaching up to $100,000. But with the power of community, the love we share for our faith, and the generosity of souls like you, we can accomplish this mission.

Your Support Will Make a Difference

By donating to this GoFundMe campaign, you will help preserve these altars for future generations. You will be safeguarding the beauty of our faith and allowing countless others to experience the solemnity and reverence of the Traditional Latin Mass at these altars. Imagine the countless prayers, Masses, and devotions that will take place before these altars, all thanks to your generosity.

Let us join together as a TLM community and beyond to save these altars, to keep the heart of Catholic tradition alive, and to give future generations a place to encounter the Divine. Please, donate whatever you can and share this mission with others who love the Latin Mass, the faith, and the beauty of Catholic tradition.

In gratitude and devotion,

Heather Hansen

The Challenge of Saving Sacred Altars: A Complex, Costly Process

Preserving these altars is no small task. The main high altar and the two side altars are large, intricately carved, and deeply integrated into the architectural fabric of a historic church. Removing them intact requires a carefully orchestrated process to ensure they are not damaged and can be relocated safely. Here’s an overview of what’s involved:

Structural Assessment: To understand how the altars are secured, we’ll need a thorough assessment by a structural engineer and historical architect. This will reveal whether the altars are bolted or built directly into the floor and walls, as well as any structural adjustments needed to remove them. This crucial first step is estimated to cost $3,000 - $5,000.

Disassembly and Preservation: Skilled craftsmen will be required to carefully dismantle each altar piece by piece. In some cases, disassembly may not be possible, and parts of the altars may need to be carefully cut into sections for safe removal. Preservation specialists will also work to protect delicate features like carvings, statues, and painted surfaces during this process. Labor costs for this part of the project alone could reach $8,000 - $15,000.

Heavy Equipment and Support: Moving these sacred structures will require cranes, dollies, hoists, and other heavy-lifting equipment. Protective materials like padding and plywood will be needed to ensure no damage is done to the floors or walls. Equipment rental is estimated at $1,500 - $3,500 per day.

Transportation and Storage: If the altars are temporarily stored before finding a permanent home, we will need secure, climate-controlled storage. Moving trucks, storage fees, and protective measures for transportation are anticipated to cost an additional $2,000 - $5,000.

Insurance and Contingency: Special insurance is required to protect these historical artifacts during the move. Unforeseen challenges may also arise, so we’re including a contingency fund to cover any unexpected issues. This is estimated at $3,000 - $5,000.

Total Estimated Cost: $15,000 - $50,000

This ambitious effort is costly but essential. By contributing to this campaign, you’re helping safeguard these precious altars, allowing future generations to experience the beauty and reverence of the Traditional Latin Mass. Together, we can preserve a priceless part of our Catholic heritage. Please, give whatever you can, and help us spread the word about this mission to save these sacred altars.

Where Will These Sacred Altars Go? You Decide!

With each donation to our GoFundMe campaign, you have the unique opportunity to play a part in the future home of these beautiful altars. For every contribution, donors may write in the name and location of the church they would like to nominate as a new home for all three altars, or for any one altar of their choice. Once we have gathered all the nominations, we will determine the winner(s) either through a random selection or by popular vote.

The final method of selection will be decided by a popular vote among donors, giving our supporters a voice in how we honor and preserve these sacred pieces of Catholic tradition. Together, we can ensure these altars continue to inspire and uplift the faithful in a place where they are cherished.

Wiki Link to Church History:

Our Lady Help of Christians Church Philadelphia